Seed microorganisms override soil microorganisms when colonizing plants
New research shows that when it comes to colonizing plants, microorganisms from seeds have more staying power than microorganisms from the soil......»»
Electrothermal mineralization process offers more environmentally friendly, cost-effective method for soil remediation
Rice University chemist James Tour has led a research team to develop a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process, which in seconds can remediate the accumulation of synthetic chemicals that can contaminate soil and the environment. The study.....»»
Team develops a technique to detect nutrients in soil faster and more affordably
Every year, Missouri farmers lose millions of dollars in valuable nutrients that wash away into rivers and lakes. These nutrients—nitrates and phosphates found in fertilizers—are crucial for plant growth, but they wreak havoc on aquatic life when.....»»
Heeler Security raises $8.5 million to boost application security
Heeler Security announced the successful closing of an $8.5 million Seed Series funding round, led by Norwest Venture Partners with significant participation from Storm Ventures. “Application security requires a new approach that focuses on runtime.....»»
Elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes should be considered a new factor of global change, researchers say
Human-caused global change is a complex phenomenon comprising many factors such as climate change, environmental contamination with chemicals, microplastics, light pollution, and invasive plants. One of the main tasks of global change biology is to i.....»»
MicroRNA study sets stage for crop improvements
MicroRNAs can make plants more capable of withstanding drought, salinity, pathogens and more. However, in a study published in Nature Plants, Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists show just how much we didn't know about the intricate processes plant.....»»
Rhythmic gene expression in plants is crucial for symbiosis with nutrient-providing bacteria, study finds
Legumes thrive in low-nitrogen environments by partnering with rhizobia, soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, a usable form for the plants. These beneficial bacteria are housed in root nodules formed on legume roots......»»
Of ants and trees: "Evolutionary déjà vu" in the tropical rainforest
Ants are famous for their regimented and complex social behaviors. In the tropics, they are also famous for forming mutualisms with plants. Certain species of trees have conspicuous hollow swellings that house ants, often feeding the ants with specia.....»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»
Rare butterfly is behind "mass destruction" of rare Miami plants: Can both be protected?
A small butterfly once thought extinct has staged such a comeback in South Florida that it is now considered a bit of a garden pest—and a persistent problem for a renowned research facility where its caterpillars feast on a curated collection of tr.....»»
From roots to leaves: The nitrogen connection to photosynthetic efficiency
Photosynthesis efficiency in plants is influenced by the type of nitrogen absorbed. Ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) are the primary nitrogen sources, each affecting plant physiology differently. Variations in leaf anatomy, such as cell wall thickn.....»»
Duckweed, a small aquatic plant, could revolutionize the food of tomorrow
The idea of eating aquatic plants might sound unappetizing at first......»»
Understanding willingness to pay for nationwide wastewater surveillance in Japan
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased likelihood of other such outbreaks in the future warrant the strengthening of epidemic surveillance systems. Among these, continuous wastewater surveillance at wastewater treatment plants is considere.....»»
Study highlights the benefits of mixing cover crops
A University of Kentucky study titled "Productivity benefits of cereal-legume cover crop mixtures under variable soil nitrogen and termination times" suggests that mixing cover crops is a beneficial strategy for modern agriculture......»»
Forest monitoring reveals self-cleansing effect of radiocesium in ecosystem after Fukushima Daiichi plant accident
A forest monitoring survey conducted more than 13 years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident has revealed that the natural downward migration of radiocesium in soil exhibits a decontamination effect that reduces the air dose rate.....»»
Microbial structures in Antarctic lake could reveal more about how life evolved
In the depths of remote Antarctic lakes, communities of microorganisms are thriving where few life forms can survive. Scientists are studying structures formed by these communities to understand more about microscopic life in these extreme environmen.....»»
Modular design: New insights into protein factories in human mitochondria
The "power plants" of living cells, the mitochondria, probably evolved through endosymbiosis: A bacterium migrated into a primordial cell and eventually developed into an organelle that provides the cell with energy, among other things. Mitochondria.....»»
Smart soil can water and feed itself
A newly engineered type of soil can capture water out of thin air to keep plants hydrated and manage controlled release of fertilizer for a constant supply of nutrients......»»
Study identifies rhizobacteria to combat Striga and boost sorghum yields in Ethiopia
A research team has identified potential Striga-suppressing rhizobacteria associated with sorghum, which have been shown to significantly reduce Striga seed germination rates. This study highlights the value of soil-borne bacteria as bioherbicides to.....»»
North America auto manufacturing footprint unlikely to change through 2029, Chicago Fed says
Many existing plants will provide flexibility across propulsion systems as EV demand and consumer preferences fluctuate......»»
"Alien invasion": Researchers identify which exotic animals may soon hitchhike into Australia
Australia is renowned for its native flora and fauna, but did you know the continent is also home to about 3,000 "alien" species of animals, plants, fungi and microbes?.....»»